When Carrie Bradshaw (the fictitious character from the television show, Sex and the City), walks around New York City, people treat her like a celebrity. 

They call her name, wave and even run after her merely because she’s a columnist, and well, a fashionista, too. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m also a columnist, and some say a fashionista of my own making. 

When I’m driving, I do wonder if dubious shouts from cars overtaking mine, hollers such as, “hey lady, the speed limit’s 50, not 35,” are just clever attempts at meeting the columnist, me! Well, you don’t have to go to such lengths any more. 

On October 13, during Callicoon Artwalk 2024 (established by the Callicoon Business Association), I will be at The Callicoon Pantry from ten-ish until Dania, the owner, decides to close, which could be as early as 4 p.m. 

I say “Ten-ish” because as Elaine Benice from Seinfeld has stated more than once, “I’m not a morning person.” (Elaine and I agree.) However, I promise to be at The Pantry by 10:30 a.m. You’ll find me sitting right next to the chocolates of which I am an expert. If an array of chocolate is not enough to entice you to visit, then please allow me to sweeten the deal.

Not only will I have a stack of Sullivan County Democrat newspapers (containing my Tuesday column) to hand out for free (while supplies last), I’ll also be displaying (and selling) mini-archival prints of my artwork (throughout the ages) as refrigerator magnets for $5 apiece. 

Why fridge magnets? I’ll tell you…I love to couple fine art with practicality, and make it affordable for everyone. 

These magnets are not only decorative, they are strong and will hold your important notes to any magnetic surface. The images range from flying pigs to crayoned cats to primitive renditions of houses, and more prompting some to ask, “Whose artwork is this?” 

Well, after touring Europe in the 80s as a busker (look it up) with Soozie Tyrell and Lisa Lowell from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, I began seriously painting. 

Since that time, I’ve documented my work in slides and photos, which were recently transferred to digital formats, and then printed at The Narrowsburg Union in Narrowsburg, NY. 

The colors! The splendor! The excitement of holding a small art object in the palm of your hand; one that will assuredly adhere to your fridge like Dave Letterman’s Velcro suit once adhered to the studio wall of NBC. Dear readers, these gems are a mere “finsky” away. (That’s busking slang for a 5 dollar bill). 

Now I’ve gone on and on about me, and that may or may not be enough to bring you to Callicoon. If it isn’t, I’ll further sugar-up the deal by expounding upon what else you can expect at Callicoon Artwalk 2024…

According to CBA, “Callicoon Artwalk 2024 will be showcasing the growing art and music scene in the picturesque hamlet of Callicoon on the Delaware. The event highlights the arts in unconventional spaces throughout the hamlet including storefronts and public spaces. 

There will be public performances [including music], workshops throughout the day, then video projections and outdoor art installations will be featured into the evening hours. A map will be available at all participating retailers and galleries highlighting the locations of exhibiting artists.” For more information, contact events.callicoon@gmail.com. Or google: Artwalk Callicoon, NY. Best of all, it’s free to attend.

Now back to me. In the tradition of Carrie Bradshaw and other fashionista columnists such as Dorothy Kilgallen, Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons, I might even dress-up in painful clothing. The kind that’s hard to move and sit in, and verging on impossible to breathe in. 

Do meet me at The Callicoon Pantry this Sunday, October 13th during Artwalk. We’ll share a laugh, some art gazing, a free local newspaper, and more. It may be our only chance to meet. No purchase necessary. And I promise, I won’t try and sell you a subscription.

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.